JAMES E. PARSONS is a director of Focused Capitol Solutions LLC, a business affiliate of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP that provides governmental relations services and public policy services from offices in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky. Jim is also an attorney in the Public Law and Public Finance practices of Taft, where he represents local governments in Kentucky with a variety of public law matters and developers implementing projects in Kentucky.

Prior to joining Focused Capitol Solutions and Taft, Jim served 31 years as a local government attorney and administrator in Northern Kentucky, where he gained significant experience in the areas of public law and tax incentives to encourage development and gained contacts across Northern Kentucky and in Frankfort with public and business leaders. He served 17 years with the City of Newport holding various positions, including City Solicitor and City Manager, where he spearheaded the rebirth of the city with projects such as the riverfront redevelopment, Newport Aquarium and Newport on the Levee. Immediately prior to joining Focused Capitol Solutions and Taft, Jim served for 7.5 years as the Boone County Administrator and Deputy County Judge/Executive.

Jim is currently chair of business advocacy and vice chair of governmental affairs for the NKY Chamber. He has been advocating for the Brent Spence Bridge project for years. Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and urban studies from Northern Kentucky University and a Juris Doctor from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University. He is able to draw on his 31 years of experience as an appointed public official, as well as his experience as an attorney, to assist clients.